Help! How do u manage it all???

[Former_Member]

I love coming into the teams but with all the post and various subjects being discussed I'm instantly reminded of all the things I need to do to run a successful shop/business. How do you guys manage it all between social networking, updating listings, advertising, blogging and actually creating the items to sell, still working for the man and keeping house I find myself not having enough hours in the day! I have been thinking about putting together a schedule where I set aside a hour for each activity but all the time management articles say forget the multi tasking and focus on one activity at a time until it is done. So I was wondering if anyone has any tips that work schedules that help or anything. Hope this helps someone else as well.

Thanks in advanve
Jackie

[CopperLeafStudios]

totally agree with your time management articles! Focus will get you further than trying to do it all.

I do keep a schedule, and I also do a lot of business planning which helps me keep an eye on the bigger picture in addition to the day to day workload. I don't do anything on social media, but if it is part of your business, I'd focus on one or two platforms. Better yet, if you only sell on Etsy, work on the big three -- photos, inventory, and tags -- to get sales. Social media has its place, but if you have to choose, those will take you the farthest.

[Former_Member]

I'm having the same trouble. If I actually do all the social networking that everyone recommends I'm not going to have any time left to make jewellery!

[Former_Member]

I spend about 1 hour each day doing social networking. I'm a member of quite a few teams but I get all the team news via email digest once per day. My blog posts are generally written in bunches and then spaced out when published.

The rest of the day is spent working on the business. I not only have the Etsy shop but I also sell on a number of other venues as well.

I've found that if I have a fairly regular schedule with some flexibility that its pretty easy to follow.

[FayeValentineJewelry]

I can really sympathize, as I'm having the same problem! Though I don't need to worry about working for the man, I'm a stay at home mum and the little man sure needs plenty of my time!

I think what you said about just focusing on a task until it's done, each time, is a good idea- that's what I'm trying to do, as I find one of my big problems is that I'm always thinking of the ten other things I need to do while I'm doing any given thing, and it's hard to concentrate, go quickly, and do a good job sometimes.

I think a part of this is just a time factor- getting used to everything, giving yourself a chance to settle into a routine that works personally for you. I'm trying not to be too strict with myself, as I know that doesn't work for me and I end up just having to throw a set schedule away after a day or two.

Rather than make a complete schedule, therefore, I try to give myself one priority for each day- for example, my priority for today is to work on a commission from a friend of mine. Everything feels less overwhelming if I focus on one definite goal at a time, and then I can feel like I've accomplished something when (or if!) I manage it.

I'd say, give yourself time and find an approach that fits your own style and personality.

(Sorry if I've rabbited on too much!)

[TerraRhapsody]

I work full time and my etsy shop takes up the rest of my time, so I can understand your concern as well.
At the moment, besides creating things for etsy, I've been concentrating on my brand and looking into selling elsewhere or at craft fairs etc.
I also try to work out which social networks help me out. I've stopped bothering with twitter now, as I've had zero traffic from there for months and months. My time on there was clearly wasted!
I spend more of my time on facebook, wanelo and etsy, as I actually get traffic from there. Check your stats to see where you need to concentrate your time.
I save time on things like photography, as I tend to photograph new items in batches and them slowly release them over time on my shop. It means I get through lots of items in a shorter period of time, as it means I only have to set up my photography kit once and concentrate on editing images for an evening, rather than multiple times.
I think things would be much easier to juggle if I did this full time, but at the moment, I'm well organised and just about manage to get everything done that I need to.

[Former_Member]

I try to keep a schedule too, but the worst part of it is when i get to the 'marketing' moments. I get on Facebook and Pinterest and wander off to other pages that catch my attention, and out of an hour of 'work' I get zilch done... I think I should stay away from social networking

[Former_Member]

I'm new on Etsy and trying to learn, get involved, etc. I've had a website (still do). I also have a blog, facebook, twitter. It's a juggling act and I'm still trying to find the balance. It seems every time I find one idea to try, 30 more pop up to take my attention. I often feel that I'm spread so thin that everything suffers. Nonetheless, I keep plugging away and reworking my time management.

All I can give is that there comes a point in every day when it's time to get off the computer, get away from work, and go play with the kids!

[MitchMcfarlanePhotos]

This is such a good subject - I only work part time in a regular job, and don't have kids, but I still find it hard to find the time to juggle everything.

I think writing down what I need to do each day and prioritising it helps. Focusing on one thing at a time is a good idea - but hard to do. And try to cross off at least one thing each day so you feel you have accomplished something !

[ColourscapePrints]

Lots of lists! I run a daily and a weekly list, transferring each day what the priorities are. We gave up blogging, too much effort for not a lot of return, but we try and keep up to date on twitter, facebook and pinterest.
We have a 14 month old who's into everything, and only sleeps for a maximum of 2 hours a day, so we get what we can done in that few hours, plus in the evenings we work together to get things done.

[Pennyjanedesigns]

Yes, lists and keeping focussed. I talk the talk very well but often spend longer than I should wandering off onto different sites etc. When I am in 'getting things done' mode I sometimes set a little timer on my phone and stop wandering as soon as it goes off!!
A little sad but a good reminder....:)

[Former_Member]

I also work full time and I think it's all about finding the right balance and what works for you. In the fall and winter I work like crazy to promote my items, keep up with custom orders, and do craft shows. But in the summer I have time to build up my inventory, learn new techniques, and even knit for me (my first sweater!). Make lists, track inventory, and maybe even order a small business planner/calendar!

[Former_Member]

My Time Management Plan: I gave up sex and cleaning my house.

[Former_Member]

Thanks for the great info from all! My computer desk is also my crafting table and I do my web surfing/blogging/linking while I work...hence the paint smears on the letters.

[Former_Member]

lol, I'm glad to know it's not just me that will wonder off on other sites and loose a whole hour or two. But I starting to see finding what works for you and sticking to it! is the key

[FayeValentineJewelry]

Quoted from Penny Dixon:

When I am in 'getting things done' mode I sometimes set a little timer on my phone and stop wandering as soon as it goes off!!

______

That is an excellent idea! I think I have to try that, because I'm also an easy victim of social networking/general browsing.